If you’re looking for an effective way to clean your home while also protecting the environment, then DIY green cleaning solutions are the perfect solution.
Not only are they more cost-efficient than commercial products, but they also use natural ingredients that are both safe and powerful.
This article will explore various DIY green cleaning solutions that can help keep your home sparkling without using harsh chemicals and expensive store-bought products.
From homemade all-purpose cleaners to vinegar and baking soda solutions, you’ll find simple yet effective ways to get any surface in your house spotless.
What are green cleaning solutions?
Green cleaning solutions use natural ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice instead of harsh chemicals.
These ingredients are much safer for the environment and your health compared to traditional cleaning products.
And that’s why green cleaning solutions have become increasingly popular as more people look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Using green cleaning solutions can offer many benefits, including improved air quality in the home, reduced exposure to toxic chemicals, and improved safety for children and pets.
In addition, using natural ingredients like baking soda is often cheaper than buying store-bought chemical cleaners.
Because these products are non-toxic, they can also be used around food preparation surfaces without worrying about potential contamination or adverse health effects from prolonged contact with harmful substances.
Not to mention, green cleaning solutions have less of an impact on the environment since fewer harsh chemicals are released into the atmosphere during production or disposal processes.
Benefits of using green cleaning solutions
Just to expand on what we’ve already touched on, let’s look at some advantages of green cleaning solutions.
a). Healthier for individuals and the environment
DIY green cleaning solutions are a natural, effective, healthier alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
Not only do these solutions provide an effective means of keeping your home clean and safe, but they can also benefit both individuals and the environment in numerous ways.
For one thing, DIY green cleaning products are typically made from all-natural ingredients that have not been exposed to harsh chemicals or other potentially toxic substances.
As such, using these products eliminates the risk of skin irritation or exposure to hazardous materials that may be present in traditional store-bought cleaning solutions.
Additionally, DIY green cleaners often use biodegradable ingredients, so they won’t pollute our water supplies when disposed of properly.
This is fantastic news for the environment as it reduces the number of toxins released into our surrounding ecosystems.
b). More cost-effective than commercial cleaning products
Not only can they save you money, but they are also usually made with natural, non-toxic ingredients.
DIY solutions are easy and affordable at home and can effectively clean almost any surface without the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought cleaners.
With a few basic ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, essential oils, and water; you can create all-purpose cleaners for your kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
For example, white vinegar mixed with water is a great cleaner for countertops and stainless steel appliances.
In contrast, baking soda and water make an effective scrubbing paste for tougher jobs like greasy ovens or stovetops.
You can also add essential oils such as tea tree oil or lavender oil for a pleasant scent and additional cleaning power.
c). Gentle on surfaces and appliances
When cleaning your home, you want to ensure that whatever solutions you are using will not damage your appliances and surfaces.
DIY green cleaning solutions provide an effective yet gentle way to clean without worrying about damaging anything.
As mentioned, these natural cleaners use ingredients such as baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice that are safe on any surface.
For instance, baking soda is a natural abrasive that helps scrub dirt and grime from almost any hard surface in your home.
White vinegar is a powerful disinfectant that can also be used on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and showers.
On the other hand, lemon juice contains citric acid, which is great for cutting through grease and brightening up dull surfaces with its natural acidic properties.
Common ingredients in DIY green cleaning solutions
Here’s a list of ingredients commonly used in green cleaning solutions
a). Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective yet affordable ingredient for DIY green cleaning solutions.
It is a natural disinfectant that can help kill bacteria and germs, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinegar can also remove hard water stains, soap scum, and mineral deposits from surfaces such as tile, glass and porcelain fixtures.
To make a general-purpose cleaner with vinegar, combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle.
You can also add essential oils such as tea tree oil or lemon to give the solution a pleasant scent.
For tougher jobs, you may need to increase the amount of vinegar or use straight vinegar on the cleaned surface.
When using pure vinegar, rinse afterward with clean water and wipe dry to avoid leaving behind residue that could damage surfaces over time.
Related: How To Clean Dishwasher Drain With Vinegar
b). Baking soda
Baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and effective cleaning product.
Not only is it natural and non-toxic, but it can be used as an all-purpose cleaner or deodorizer.
It’s strong enough to remove tough stains while gentle enough to clean delicate surfaces.
To make a multipurpose cleaner, mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a spray bottle.
This mixture can be used on countertops, sinks, tubs, showers, and tile floors for deep cleaning and deodorizing.
When using baking soda for these types of tasks, always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the abrasive texture of the powder.
Baking soda can also be sprinkled directly onto carpets or furniture upholstery for freshening and absorbing odors.
c). Lemon
Another essential ingredient is lemon.
They contain natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties, making them an excellent choice for a safe and effective cleaner.
And an easy way to use lemon as a cleaner is by creating a solution of equal parts water and lemon juice in a spray bottle.
This can be used on countertops, windows, bathrooms, appliances, or any other surface that needs to be cleaned.
Lemon juice can even be used at full strength on tough spots like soap scum or hard water deposits.
For tougher jobs try adding salt or baking soda for additional scrubbing power.
Not to forget, lemons also have the ability to freshen up your home with their bright citrus smell.
d). Essential oils
Besides lemons, essential oils are a great natural way to clean and freshen your home without the use of harsh chemicals.
These oils come from various plants and flowers, providing an earthy scent that helps to bring life into any room.
Not only do they smell delightful, they also have antibacterial properties that can help keep surfaces germ-free.
Popular choices include lavender oil for its calming effects, lemon oil for its invigorating aroma, and tea tree oil as an effective all-purpose cleaner.
To make your own green cleaning solutions with essential oils, simply add 10-15 drops of the desired oil into a spray bottle filled with water and shake gently before each use.
The spray can be used on countertops, hardwood floors, furniture or anywhere else you need to clean around the house.
Essential oils for green cleaning solutions
Talking of oils, here’s an overview of the benefits and uses of essential oils in green cleaning solutions.
a). Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an effective, natural cleanser that can disinfect surfaces safely and eliminate odors.
It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it ideal for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
In addition to its cleansing power, tea tree oil acts as a deodorizer and can be added to homemade cleaning solutions to give them a light scent.
When using this oil as a cleaner, it should always be diluted with water or another carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil.
Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle and shake well before use.
To tackle tough stains and remove tough odors from carpets or upholstery fabric, add one teaspoon of tea tree oil with two teaspoons of baking soda for extra scrubbing power.
b). Lavender oil
Lavender oil is one of the most versatile natural cleaning ingredients you can use to create an effective and eco-friendly cleaning solution.
The calming scent is great for your home, but it has anti-septic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for cleaning.
And it is a perfect natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners as it fights bacteria and germs without any lingering residue or odor.
In addition to its cleansing power, lavender oil provides a hint of refreshing fragrance that can keep your home smelling clean and fresh.
You can add 10-15 drops of essential lavender oil to a spray bottle filled with water for an all-purpose cleaner that safely cleans surfaces such as countertops, tables, and floors.
c). Eucalyptus oil
On this list of essential oils, we also have eucalyptus oil.
It is one of the most popular natural ingredients for green cleaning solutions.
Like lavender oil, eucalyptus antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties make it an effective cleaner for various surfaces.
And can be used to clean kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that require sanitizing.
Get this, when combined with other natural ingredients, such as vinegar or baking soda, eucalyptus oil can create an even more powerful cleaning solution.
For example, adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your homemade all-purpose cleaner makes the job easier and adds antibacterial protection.
And when used in a steam mop solution it can help to neutralize odors while killing germs on flooring surfaces like tile or wood floors.
Recipes for green cleaning solutions
Now, let’s discuss how you can DIY the cleaning solution to fit your needs.
Step-by-step instructions for making a basic all-purpose green cleaning solution
- First, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients, which include white vinegar, liquid castile soap, tea tree oil, and water.
- Start by pouring 1/2 cup of white vinegar into a spray bottle and fill it up with warm water.
- Then add one tablespoon each of liquid castile soap and tea tree oil.
- Place the lid on the bottle and shake it vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
Your cleaning solution is now ready to be used!
Spray it directly onto surfaces needing cleaning or spray it onto a cloth before wiping down surfaces with it.
Recipes for heavy-duty green cleaning solutions
Besides the general formula, you can also create specific green solutions for specific purpose.
Here’s a quick look at how to get it right.
a). Grease and grime cleaner
Grease and grime can be difficult to remove.
Trust me, with 10 years in this industry, I have learned that the hard way!
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
The right heavy-duty green cleaning solution can be done in no time.
To make a grease and grime cleaner, simply combine 1/4 cup of baking soda and enough liquid soap or detergent to form a paste.
Apply this paste directly onto greasy surfaces such as stovetops or ovens, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush.
Rinse the area with warm water when finished.
This mixture is also an effective pre-treatment solution for laundry items that are heavily soiled.
Simply mix one part baking soda with two parts hot water, then soak the item overnight before putting into the washing machine.
For more stubborn grease stains, try combining equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle then spraying onto surfaces like countertops and appliances.
b). Glass and mirror cleaner
Homemade glass and mirror cleaner is an easy, inexpensive, and natural way to keep your home sparkling clean.
All you need are two common household ingredients – white vinegar and water – along with a few drops of essential oil for fragrance if desired.
Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, add the essential oil if desired, shake the mixture well before each use, then spray it onto the glass or mirrors and wipe clean with a soft cloth or newspaper.
The acidity of the vinegar helps cut through dirt and grime while leaving your surfaces sparkling clean without any streaks or residue.
AND yes, this all-natural solution can be used as often as needed on windows, mirrors, shower doors, countertops—anywhere that you’d like to have streak-free shine!
Related: New Era Hat Maintenance 101: How to Clean Sweat Stains
Specific green cleaning solutions for different surfaces and appliances
Now that you know how to cook up heavy-duty solutions, let’s discuss DIY green cleaning solutions for specific surfaces.
a). Bathroom cleaner
I’ll go straight to the point!
Start by gathering a few simple ingredients – white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils such as tea tree oil or lemon oil.
In a spray bottle, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water, then add 10 drops of your chosen essential oil.
This mixture can be used on tile surfaces, fixtures and even shower walls to clean away soap scum and hard water stains.
If you need extra scrubbing power for tough areas like grout lines or tubs, combine baking soda with distilled water until it forms a paste (it should be thick but spreadable).
b). Kitchen cleaner
For a green kitchen cleaner, you need white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils such as lemon or lavender.
Start by mixing 1-part white vinegar with 1-part water in a spray bottle.
Then add 10 drops of essential oil and shake the bottle to combine all ingredients.
Spray the mixture on any surface you want to clean, let sit for 5 minutes and then scrub with a sponge or cloth.
The acetic acid in the vinegar will cut through grease and grime while the baking soda will neutralize odours and act as an abrasive agent for tough messes.
Essential oils help give this DIY kitchen cleaner its pleasant smell without any additional chemical fragrances.
c). Floor cleaner
To make a natural DIY floor cleaner, you’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, hot water and either essential oil or lemon juice for extra cleaning power.
- Mix two cups of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda and one gallon of hot water.
- Stir until all ingredients are combined and pour into a spray bottle.
- You can then add 10-20 drops of essential oils such as tea tree or citrus oil for added antibacterial properties.
If you don’t have essential oils on hand, adding half a cup of lemon juice will also do the trick!
With this simple green floor cleaner solution, you can mop your floors without any worry about harsh chemicals entering your home environment.
Tips for creating your own green cleaning solutions
Moving on… below are some helpful tips that can help you create effective and safe solutions for your home.
First, when creating homemade cleaning solutions, use natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, essential oils, and borax.
We’ve already talked about it, right?
These ingredients provide powerful cleaning properties without the harmful toxins found in many store-bought products.
Essential oils also add an invigorating scent to the solution while helping to clean surfaces more effectively.
Another tip I can share with you is to keep your homemade cleaners simple.
Avoid combining too many different ingredients together.
Why?
Well, this could cause unwanted reactions or an imbalance of pH levels, damaging surfaces or fabrics in your home.
These solutions are also great for cleaning your outdoor spaces like the patio, deck, or garden.
Techniques for cleaning with green solutions
Having the right solution is not enough.
You need the right techniques as well.
Right green cleaning solutions + right cleaning techniques = awesome results!
Just made that up😁.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t true!
a). Scrubbing
Scrubbing is an effective way to remove dirt and grime from surfaces using a brush or pad.
This technique is perfect for cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas with tough stains and messes.
To use this technique effectively with green cleaning solutions, start mixing your choice of solution in a warm water bucket.
Dip your scrub brush or pad into the solution to saturate it before applying it to the surface you wish to clean.
Work in circular motions for best results as you scrub away dirt, food particles, and other debris from the surface.
Once satisfied with your work, rinse away the residue with a wet cloth or sponge before drying thoroughly with another clean cloth.
b). Wiping
Wiping is one of the oldest and most popular techniques for cleaning surfaces, and it is still widely used today.
It involves using a cloth to remove dirt, debris and other unwanted substances from surfaces such as countertops, floors, walls and windows.
Wiping can be done with or without the use of chemical cleaners in order to achieve desired results.
When using this technique with a green cleaning solution, get clean rags or microfiber cloths that have been washed in hot water with environmentally friendly detergent.
And if you are going to be wiping down an area with chemicals, wear proper protective gear such as gloves and goggles.
When tackling more stubborn stains or dirt on a surface, use dampened rags instead of dry ones; this will help dissolve the stain before wiping it away.
c). Soaking
This is a simple yet effective natural cleaning technique.
Soaking involves submerging an item in a hot water and cleaning solution bath and allowing it to soak for a period of time.
The length of time required will vary depending on the item’s size, material, and dirtiness; however, generally speaking, items should be left to soak for at least 30 minutes or longer.
For tougher stains or dirtier items, additional soaking may be necessary.
When using this method with green cleaning solutions, dilute the solution with warm water.
This is to create a solution that is suitable for soaking without damaging fabrics or surfaces.
Use enough warm water so that the object can move freely in the solution but still remain submerged.
Once done soaking, rinse any remaining residue with clean water and allow it to dry naturally before use.
Tips for getting the most out of your green cleaning solutions
Since we are in the costs-saving mode, here are some tips to get the most out of your DIY cleanings solutions:
First, ensure you use the right solution for the job.
Too much cleaner can leave residue behind that will attract dirt and dust. Too little cleaner won’t be effective at removing dirt or stains.
Make sure you read the instructions carefully to determine how much cleaner you need for each cleaning job.
Second, always test a small area before committing to using a particular solution on larger surfaces or fabrics.
This will ensure that it doesn’t cause any staining or discoloration on your upholstery or walls.
In addition, be sure to clean a small area before you apply your DIY cleaning solution to the entire surface.
This will let you know if it works as well on large areas as it does in small test areas.
Third, use a rag or soft cloth when applying your DIY cleaning solutions. This will prevent it from being rubbed into the upholstery or wall.
And finally, if your cleaning solution has a strong smell, you may want to open some windows or doors for ventilation. This will help minimize odors and fumes.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have explored the benefits of green cleaning solutions in comparison to traditional chemical-based cleaners.
These natural and effective alternatives are both cost-efficient and safe for humans, pets, and the environment.
Using green cleaning solutions is an easy way to incorporate eco-friendly practices into our daily lives.
These products provide a deep clean without any harsh chemicals or toxins, but they can also be made with simple ingredients around the house.
The fact that green cleaning solutions are odorless and non-toxic makes them ideal for households with children or pets in it.
Overall, making your own DIY natural and effective green cleaning solution is a great way to contribute towards preserving the environment while reducing costs at home.
